emollient

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun toiletry consisting of any of various substances in the form of a thick liquid that have a soothing and moisturizing effect when applied to the skin
  2. adjective having a softening or soothing effect especially to the skin

Etymology

From French émollient, from Latin emolliēns, present active participle of ēmolliō (“make soft”), from ex- + molliō, from mollis (“soft”). By surface analysis, e- + Latin moll- + -i- + -ent.

In classic literature

Synonyms

cream, ointment

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